A fabric-covered football arena at the CSK FK "Vitebsk" sports complex has become a significant gift to the city on the Dvina River, timed to coincide with the holiday for agricultural workers.
A fabric-covered football arena at the CSK FK "Vitebsk" sports complex has become a significant gift to the city on the Dvina River, timed to coincide with the holiday for agricultural workers.
The inflatable dome was erected next to the central sports complex. Under the dome, there is a full-size football pitch with artificial turf. Electricity and gas supply have been installed inside, allowing for training during the cold season when outdoor activities are not possible due to weather conditions.
Nikolai Sherstnev, Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, who participated in the arena's opening, noted that while similar structures were built separately in other cities, Vitebsk decided to locate it at the sports complex. A gallery connects it to the main CSK building, providing access without going outside, where the gym, cafe, hotel, and changing rooms are located.
“This facility is proof that we must constantly move forward and create new conditions for development in all areas,” emphasized the head of the region, adding that plans are in place to construct additional sports facilities in Vitebsk to enable future champions to showcase their talents.
Specialists from Minsk laid the artificial turf, while representatives from Slovenia erected the dome itself. The arena is primarily intended for training. In addition to the main team, reserves, and the Vitebsk FC youth sports school, pupils of the football academy, which opened last year, will also hone their skills here.
“Football is developing at a good pace in the Vitebsk region. FK "Vitebsk" played in the UEFA Europa League last year, and the Belarusian Cup final was held at the stadium. Three graduates of Vitebsk football are part of the national team. The new arena will allow for the training of high-level players, and the main team will be able to conduct winter training camps here instead of travelling to southern countries and spending foreign currency. The federation plans to build two full-size pitches with artificial turf at SDYUSHOR "Komsomolets" and Vitebsk FC Youth Sports School. Furthermore, new pitches will soon appear in Orsha and Polotsk,” noted Yuri Vergeychik, First Deputy Chairman of the "Belarusian Football Federation" association, who attended the opening ceremony of the sports facility with gifts – footballs.
Other guests also came bearing gifts. Young footballers received new training equipment from the city executive committee, and backpacks with sports gear from FC Vitebsk. Players from the children and youth sports school tested the field, asking Nikolay Sherstnev to take the first kick.
The opening ceremony of the arena was attended by the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Andreichenko, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Subbotin, and other distinguished guests.